Nigel Twiston-Davies hailed his son’s performance on board Ballyandy after the duo claimed Haydock‘s New One Unibet Hurdle on Saturday.
The nine-year-old edged out Pentland Hills by a nose in a dramatic renewal of the Grade 2 contest, with Cornerstone Lad finishing third.
Pentland Hills, under Nico de Boinville, led over the last but Sam Twiston-Davies managed to get every inch of energy out of his mount to get up by the narrowest of margins.
Cornerstone Lad attempted to make all but ran out of steam at the business end of proceedings and Cheltenham is now very much on the mind of the younger Twiston-Davies.
“He’s in the Champion and if it came up soft he might nick some good prize-money,” Sam said. “He’s very honest, has a lovely attitude and loves that ground.”
The Gloucestershire handler was delighted with the result and the 62-year-old pulled no punches in his assessment of Sam’s display.
“He’s my son, so of course I’m going to say it, but I think he’s the best jockey in the country,” he enthused. “I don’t think anyone else would have won on those two today.”
